Our Meetings
Youth OUTright WNC, inc. has social meetings each week on SUNDAY from 4 to 6 PM, usually at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street. All meeting locations and times are posted each week on the home page so it is a good idea to check frequently for updates regarding off site and special events. Each meeting is structured to include a group sharing session (for those who wish to participate–it’s always OK to participate silently with your thoughts!). An educational and/or entertainment program follows. See our calendar on the front page for a schedule of events. During the past few months our activities have included yoga, roller skating, a trip to the drum circle, movies, tie dying t-shirts as well as conversations about topics important to our participants.
What Happens at a Youth OUTright Meeting?
Meetings are free, confidential and open to youth ages 14-23. Refreshments are served, and free educational pamphlets and newspapers are available for you and your parents to take home. One of our facilitators will introduce themselves and help you get comfortable in the room. We open the meeting by introducing ourselves around the circle, and getting to know each other. Then we move on to our evening program. Check our calendar on the home page for upcoming programs! It’s a very casual, friendly atmosphere with 2 trained adult facilitators present at each meeting.
Q: Do I have to be “out” to attend the meetings?
A: No. In fact, on of the main reasons for the existence of this group is for you to be supported no matter where you are in your coming out process, even if you choose not to come out. It’s YOUR space.
Q: Is it okay to use my chosen name and not my birth name?
A: Yes. Please do. If your birth name is, for example, Margaret, and you want to be called Bob, please tell us. It’s all about free gender expression.
Q: How do I know if a meeting is cancelled?
A: We will change the status update message on our home page to announce the cancellation of a meeting. Meetings will never be canceled if we can help it.
Q: If I am a parent/guardian, can I enter the building at the end of the meeting to pick up my child?
A: No. In order to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the meeting attendees, we ask parents/guardians, or otherwise non-meeting-attendees to please wait outside in your car until the meeting is over. We will end at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday night.
Q: Can I come to the meeting if I am not gay?
A: Yes. Plain and simple.
Youth OUTRight Group Guidelines
- Confidentiality is a top priority.
- We address the challenges and feelings surrounding the relationships GLBTQ people have with their families and friends.
- We avoid making generalizations and instead express feelings, rather than opinions.
- We offer support by sharing our own experiences, rather than giving advice. Our goal is to be supportive, not confrontational.
- Everyone is encouraged to participate verbally. Silence, however, is acceptable for those who choose it.
- Monopolizing is unfair to others who may wish to speak. Sessions are structured so that everyone has a chance to participate.
Directions to the First Congregational United Church of Christ
From the West:
- Take I-240 East to the Charlotte Street Exit (5-B)
- At the top of the exit ramp, turn right onto Charlotte Street
- At the next light turn right onto College Street
- Take your first right onto Oak St.
- We are on your left (20 Oak St.)
From the East:
- Take I-240 West to the Charlotte Street Exit (5-B)
- At the light, turn left onto Charlotte Street
- At the second light turn right onto College Street
- Take your first right onto Oak St.
- We are on your left (20 Oak St.)
Parking
Parking for Sunday services and YO is available in the following lots near the church:
- Directly behind the church — a small lot
- Beside the church in the bank lot (south). This is the best place for people with mobility issues since the accessibility entrance is on this side of the church. Handicapped parking is also available on the street in front of the church.
- Next door In the Preferred Properties Realty lot (north).
- On the street or in the county health department’s large lot (further north).
Please do NOT park at One Oak Plaza or in any lots belonging to the First Baptist Church across the street — you may be towed.
(requires a YO account)
Facilitator Schedule
(Password required)
